This Navy SEAL is putting his life – and heart – on the line to protect a woman on the run, but her dangerous secret threatens to destroy them both in this high-octane novel that proves “no one does romantic suspense like Diana Gardin” (Susan Stoker, New York Times bestselling author).
I’m a Navy SEAL and a member of the elite Night Eagle Security team, so you better believe I take every one of … team, so you better believe I take every one of my missions seriously. But this one is different. I’m protecting Frannie – she’s beautiful, fiercely independent, and on the run from her criminal ex-husband. I know he’s dangerous, that he’ll do anything to get Frannie back. But there’s no way I’ll ever let that happen…
Trouble is, I can tell Frannie is hiding something from me. Something big. Since she barely got away from her ex alive, I understand that she’s wary, but I can’t help her if she doesn’t let me in. And no matter how badly I want a future with her, I swore I’d never allow myself to be with someone who doesn’t trust me. But when Frannie’s secret comes out, I have to decide whether her betrayal is enough to make me walk away…or if I’ll protect the woman I love no matter the cost.<!–~b~–>
Ryder is a romance that grabs readers’ attention and holds them hostage with thrilling suspense. Ryder and Frannie are strong characters that easily pull readers into their story as Ryder tries to protect Frannie despite the fact that she’s holding back information that could potentially make her situation worse. There is lots of sizzling chemistry and pulse pounding heat that flows between this Ryder and Frannie as they try to fight their attraction and there is lots of emotional turmoil flowing from the pages due to the situation and Frannie’s past which adds a realistic feel to the story as it progresses ensuring that the readers stay engrossed in the story.
Anticipation and thrilling suspense builds throughout the story keeping readers on the edge of their seat while adrenaline pumping action and danger adds excitement. Surprising twists keeps readers guessing right alongside the characters and readers can practically feel the tension building in the story as it occurs for the characters. Readers that love protective alpha males, the comradery and support of a team working together and or heroines that will do what they think is best when it comes to family won’t be able to put this story down until they have read every last word.
My personal opinion is this needs to be read after Lawson. There is so much background information leading up to this one. I started this then went back and read the first one. What is it about these ex-military protectors? Good strong storyline. Strong characters. It was a page turner that I pretty much read in one sitting. Now I need to read about Bain and Lilianna.
This book was gifted to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Ryder by Diana Gardin is a romantic suspense novel that will have you biting your nails and looking behind you because the foreboding sensation is strong as all get out!
I enjoyed Ryder for the most part, the suspense was on point. The abusive, ex husband on the lose after evading the law, attempting to get back this his wife, whom he treated more a trophy and property rather than the woman he loved.
Ryder is the second book in the Delta Squad, it can be read as a standalone, although there are clearly things hinted at that happened in the first book in the series, as well as a possibly another series that overlaps this one or this one spins off from.
The story line had me sucked in from the beginning. It was intense and jarring. I often felt like someone was watching me while reading this book and I even had creepy dreams after reading it, which tells you a lot about the story.
My issue with was the romance side of things. If felt incredibly rushed and forced at times. I did feel the sexual tension, but things move from a level of lust to love without trust and faith in each too quickly for my liking. If inst-love is your thing you will probably deal with this better.
The fact that their was a major secret being kept really hurt me because I think it was a terrible decision on this characters part and I wanted to scream. Perhaps, that was the intent of the author but gah! I was frustrated.
Over all Ryder is a great suspense read filled with steamy bedroom scenes that will turn you on.
I was gifted an ARC for an honest review. And, let me say, you do NOT want to miss out on this story!
Diana Gardin is a phenomenal writer and I’ve enjoyed everything she’s written so far, but THIS, this hit every note just right!
It has action and romance in perfect balance. Frannie and Ryder are fantastic together and their chemistry, YOWZA!
What would you do to protect yourself, and your family? A better question – who is, and what makes up a family? Would you do anything for them? Would they do anything for you? What happens when the person you should be able to trust in the most abuses that trust? Can you come out whole on the other side?
Ryder and Frannie have to address these questions, while learning how to trust each other, and it isn’t easy. We learn more about the NES team as well, while we’re rooting for Frannie and Ryder to come together.
Family. It’s all about family. The one you MAKE.
This is the second book in this awesome series. Frannie is an ER nurse who is a victim of domestic abuse. Ryder “White Wolf” is a member of the elite team who are set to protect Frannie at any costs. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written flawless story, which is heart-wrenching, intense, and filled with betrayal, lies, suspense, intrigue, secrets, and love. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
This book has all the elements of a great romance novel. It has steaminess and suspense all in one. I loved the characters and the close knit family the SEALS had. Ryder is one protective, alpha male that will do anything to protect Frannie. The relationship and trust that is developed between them is sweet and heartfelt. The whole them behind family is such a sweet part of the story. It’s a story that will draw you in and leave you breathless!!
This was my first book by this author and I have to say it did not disappoint. I will be reading all the books I can by this author.
Thorn Ryder has retired from the SEAL’s and joined the Night Eagle Security team. When he is assigned to protect Frannie Phillips, he feels as if he will be babysitting instead of actual security duty. He is soon disabused of that notion as Frannie has an out of control, abusive husband who wants her back. When she was Francesca Ward, married to Eli, she thought her dreams had come true…until the first time he hit her. After a particularly brutal beating, she calls 911 and removes herself, and their unborn child, from his life. As Thorn gets to know Frannie, who is an emergency room nurse, he begins to fall in love with this strong and capable woman. Her husband is on the run as he is being investigated for various crimes, but he still is looking for her. Frannie has secrets that she has not told Thorn. What is she hiding? Domestic violence is an extremely difficult topic for a romantic suspense story, but Ms. Gardin handles the story with hope for the victim, to get away from the abuser and to claim a better life. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
This is my first book by this author and I can say it definitely won’t be my last! This is book 2 in this series and I read it as a stand alone and understood everything that happened in it. This one is about Thorn Ryder and Frannie Ward. Ryder is tasked with keeping Frannie safe from her husband until he can be caught and tried for his crimes. What neither realize is that their meeting and being thrown together will change the course of their lives. Can Ryder keep Frannie safe, especially when he doesn’t know the major secret she is keeping? And once he finds out, will he forgive her? Or will he let that push him away forever?
I absolutely loved this book! Frannie is definitely one of the strongest women you will ever read about! He husband put her through absolutely hell and misery, and when her parents won’t help to protect her? She makes the decision to protect herself by any means necessary. And I love that about her! She was strong to know that he was never going to change and eventually what he was doing would kill her, and she took the steps to make sure that didn’t happen. Ryder is a man with his own demons but he has a heart of gold. He will do whatever it takes to protect people, and if he decides he cares about you? He will go even further! I loved every minute of this book complete with the ups and downs, and I once I started it? I couldn’t put it down! An excellent read!
3.75 stars–RYDER is the second instalment in Diana Gardin’s contemporary, adult DELTA SQUAD romantic, suspense series focusing on the elite Night Eagle Security Team make up of former military personnel and Delta Squad Navy SEALs. This is Navy SEAL Thorn ‘ White Wolf’ Ryder, and ER nurse Francesca ‘ Frannie’ Phillips story line. RYDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book one-Lawson-for backstory and cohesion, where Frannie’s story begins. The DELTA SQUAD series is a spin-off from the author’s RESCUE OPS series but you do not have to have read the previous series to follow. Some of the characters from the Rescue Ops series cross over for familiarity.
NOTE: Due to the subject matter, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ryder and Frannie) RYDER follows the building relationship between Navy SEAL Thorn ‘ White Wolf’ Ryder, and ER nurse Francesca ‘ Frannie’ Phillip. Months earlier Frannie Phillips, a victim of ongoing domestic abuse, found herself on the run, in the hopes of escaping horrific abuse. Fast forward to present day wherein, Frannie, now struggling to stay one step ahead, is secreted away by the Night Eagle Security team, to an unknown location as the FBI, police and NES hunt for the man who destroyed her life. Enter Navy SEAL and NES security specialist Thorn ‘White Wolf’ Ryder, and the man with whom Frannie will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Frannie and Ryder, and the potential fall-out as betrayal, secrets and lies place Frannie and Ryder in the direct line of fire.
Thorn Ryder is a man of many secrets including a devastating loss, and a passion to help those unable to help themselves but ‘babysitting’ Frannie Phillips comes with too many complications including the desire and palpable sexual attraction that exposes the couple to potential conflict. Frannie Phillips knows pain and suffering, love and loss but meeting Thorn Ryder gives our heroine hopes for a second chance but Frannie keeps hidden a secret that if revealed could ultimately destroy any chance at a happily ever after.
The relationship between Frannie and Ryder begins as a working assignment. Ryder is contracted to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love; Frannie’s often times TSTL (too stupid to live) attitude threatens her safety on more than one occasion. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Navy SEAL Lawson “Sleuth’ Snyder and former police detective Indigo Stone, NES boss Jacob ‘Boss Man’ Owen, and Delta Squad security team Bain ‘Bull’s Eye’ Foxx, and Ben McBride; police Sergeant Russ Walker; Frannie’s best friend Lobelia Novak, and Frannie’s soon to be ex-husband Eli Ward; Lawson’s sister Lilliana Snyder, as well as young troubled teen Nevaeh.
RYDER is a story of family, friendships, heart break and betrayal. The premise is real, raw and engaging; the romance is captivating and intense; the characters are energetic and colorful but I struggled with the heroine’s constant need to remain independent in spite of the struggle and ongoing threats against her life.
Ryder and Frannie have a lot of chemistry but his job is to protect her from her ex. With all the secrets and lies that stand between and the danger waiting for Frannie will he be able to save and see past the lies to be what she need him to be. Amazing story with twist and turns emotions and feels you won’t be able to put it down. Can’t wait to read what she has planned next
Oh my I loved this book so hard Ryder is to die for and when he is assigned to keep Frannie safe and Ryder will do anything to make that happen with the help of his team while the hunt is on for Eli Ward they become very close and cannot keep the attraction from happening. These two are fantastic and the chemistry is off the charts. Truths are told secrets come out and it was the most amazing heartfelt real story ever that will touch your heart in every way as they face the danger head on. We have abuse and acceptance also trust and it was a beautiful actioned packed story with a lot of sass.
Ryder’s job is who he is. It is the air he breathes. Until he meets Frannie and thoughts of her consume him. Frannie has to hope that Ryder and his team can keep her safe until they round up her evil husband and put him away. Until that happens, her secret will have to remain close to her heart. She can’t bring herself to completely trust Ryder, no matter how much she wants to. As they spend so much time in close quarters, they give in to the attraction. As Ryder shares his secrets and his heart, Frannie knows he can be trusted. Unfortunately time runs out and its too late. Will Ryder be able to forgive her silence?
Diana Gardin is a goddess, there I said it! This series has seriously impressed me with each book I devour. With that said, I have to say that Ryder is hands down my favorite. I don’t know if anyone is going to be able to top him. This man is sex personified! Strong and sweet, with a heart that is battered but not broken. Lets not forget Frannie; she is amazing. Strong, brave and capable; she is Ryder’s perfect match. The tension builds the longer Frannie keeps her secret and has to remain in hiding. Several parts had me so anxious that at one point I had to put the book down and shake off the nerves. I will be counting down until the next Delta Squad book releases. To rank this book with only 5 stars is a crime. Ryder surpasses 5 stars, he is a straight up 10!
Loved this action packed romantic suspense which is the second book in the Delta Squad series. Ryder Thorn just made me sigh with all his yumminess! His current assignment for Night Eagle Security is as a bodyguard to Frannie. Her abusive, criminal husband is determined to find her and bring her back home. He’ll do anything to find her. Ryder’s sole job is to prevent that from happening. Two problems. First, he knows Frannie is keeping something from him. Second, he is deeply attracted to the woman. When they finally give in to the passion Ryder knows after just one night that he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Job or not. Will her secrets tear them apart??
I have to say I hated the hole that was left when the story jumped from the prologue to the present. I thought for sure I had missed something. Nope, that’s how the author designed it and as I read the story and the situation unfolded I was glad for it. She hooked me with that prologue and I had to know what happened! Kudos Ms. Gardin. I highly recommend this book.
This was my first time reading anything from Diana, and I loved it. I know it was the 2nd book in the series, but OMG!!! I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything either which is good.
Ryder is protecting Frannie, and I usually don’t like these books where there’s violence like that, but I didn’t mind it in this book. I know it’s not violent Violence, but still. Domestic and the like. But any who, I really enjoyed this book, and the story of Ryder and Frannie, and how they came to be!
I love a book like this where it’s fast paced, and they don’t know how they feel about each other.
Ryder falls for Frannie, but it takes Frannie a bit longer as she’s come from a horrible marriage is on the run from her husband, Eli. Ryder is there to Protect Frannie, and he does just that. And more.
Ryder by Diana Gardin is book Two in the Delta Squad Series. This is the story of Ryder and Frannie. I haven’t yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Ryder who is a part of the Night Eagle Security team who has been tasked to protect Frannie who is running from her evil husband. Ryder who is all about work isn’t on board for this assignment until he lays eyes on Frannie…there is something about her that draws him in. But he is learning that Frannie is hiding something…so besides protecting her he needs to find out her secrets.
Exciting read.
An Absolutely Amazing Suspense
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy thru Netgallery of RYDER . I must say FANTASTIC
I consumed this entire story in one night . I love the suspense and intrigue .
The storyline is intense . Frannie married a MONSTER , she barely escaped with her life . Ryder is charged with keeping her safe from said monster . It’s easier said than done with Frannie keeping secrets . The sexual chemistry between Frannie and Ryder is off the charts .
Frannie is a tough and capable woman and Ryder is a retired Navy Seal enough said . This is One of the most intriguing, action packed , suspenseful and romantic stories I’ve read . I cannot wait for the next story . I highly recommend taking the time to read and enjoy .
Thorn shows Frannie how a real man loves!
Frannie is on the run from her abusive, criminal husband. NES is tasked with protecting her while the local PD conducts their manhunt. Thorn Ryder is assigned as her bodyguard, and he’s quickly impressed with how prepared she is to protect herself from ever being abused again.
To say Frannie has trust issues is putting it mildly. She’s got secrets – big ones – and she’s going to do whatever she can to protect those she loves. Even if that means aiming a gun at or assaulting the man she’s falling in love with.
This is a complex story that gets right to the heart of the matter. Thorn readily puts it all on the line for the women in his life, and he’s exactly the kind of hero I love to read about. The heart-stopping action kept me glued to my kindle, right up to the glorious HEA. I loved every bit of this story, and can’t wait for the next visit with our favorite NES heroes. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Wow, another amazing story from Diana. This book touches on some really sensitive subjects and grabs at your heart time and time again. Loss, sorrow, agony, all pulling Ryder and Frannie down to a place that would hard to come back from, but the power of love not only between them but for others in their lives makes the fight within them so powerful that nothing stands in their way. Opening their hearts to a place they can heal, finding a way to help those who need it and making space in their hearts for others who need their love, has you invested in this story and your own heart bubbling over with happiness.
It was a truly amazing book and I am so lucky to have found Diana as a author and get to read the fabulous stories she writes.
“I’m tough on my own, Ryder…but I think I’m even stronger with you.”
Oh, these Delta boyz have me swooning!!! Big, tough, alpha men with a heart as big as the moon!!
Frannie Phillips thought she was safe. She thought he wouldn’t find her. Well, at least not this fast. After realizing that her abusive husband is the now at-large ring leader of the exotic car theft ring recently busted, she’s now under the protection of NES, specifically Thorn Ryder. It’s that or WitSec. Not happy about either, she reluctantly chooses Ryder. There could be worse things than being guarded by a tall, muscled, sexy man. The more time she spends with him, the less she can deny the attraction and whatever this is building between them. But, she’s keeping a secret. A big one. One that can never come out until her soon-to-be ex is caught. But, betrayal and danger are lurking around the corner and she can only hope that Ryder get to her in time. If not, she’s dead.
Thorn Ryder in on babysitting duty until that scumbag is found. Not that he minds. Frannie is drop-dead gorgeous. The attraction is clear, but the mission is temporary. He’ll protect her with every fiber of his being, no doubt. But will he be able to walk away when it’s over? When he learns of her secret, is it too late? Can he save her in time? He never thought he could feel like this about a woman, and now that he’s found her he could lose her forever. Not on his watch.
Oh, Ryder. I think he’s my favorite. There is so much more to him than he lets on to his buddies. It just took that one special woman to unlock his vulnerabilities. I’m not going to spoil anything but look for the wings in the story – look for the gesture that is so big, you won’t be able to stop yourself from saying “Awwww” or “Oh my God!” out loud while reading. This is only my second read from Ms. Gardin and I can’t wait for Book 3!!
Ryder is the second instalment of Diana Gardin’s Delta Squad and brings us the story of Ryder and Frannie. This book touches on some really sensitive subjects and tugs at your heartstrings time and time again. It has the perfect balance action and romance. Frannie and Ryder are fantastic together and their chemistry is off the charts.
This was a fabulous story packed with danger, romance, love, camaraderie, real life issues and the strength that comes from letting someone into your heart, to share your pain and then rising above it to ultimately forge a future together.
This was truly an amazing book and I am so glad to have discovered Diana Gardin as an author and read the fabulous stories she writes. I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.